Pixel 5 Vs Galaxy S21 Three Years Later Is The Google Phone Still Worth It

Three years after their launch, the Google Pixel 5 and Samsung Galaxy S21 represent two very different philosophies in smartphone design and longevity. The Pixel 5 was a mid-range flagship with premium aspirations—clean Android, strong camera, modest hardware—while the Galaxy S21 launched as a full-fledged Android flagship with high-end specs and aggressive pricing. Now, in 2024, both devices are well beyond their prime support windows, yet many users still rely on them daily. So, which one holds up better? More importantly, is the Pixel 5 still a viable option today?

Hardware Longevity: How Specs Age Over Time

The Galaxy S21 launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, a powerful but notoriously hot processor. In contrast, the Pixel 5 used the Snapdragon 765G—a chip designed for efficiency over raw speed. At launch, the S21 clearly outperformed the Pixel 5 in benchmarks and multitasking. But performance isn’t just about initial power; it’s about how well the device sustains that performance over time.

After three years, thermal throttling and battery degradation have hit the S21 harder. The Snapdragon 888’s heat issues, combined with a relatively small 4,000mAh battery, mean that sustained tasks like gaming or video editing now cause noticeable slowdowns. The Pixel 5, meanwhile, never promised blistering speed—but its thermals were always excellent, and its 4,050mAh battery has aged more gracefully thanks to lower system strain.

Tip: If you prioritize long-term stability over peak performance, efficient hardware (like the 765G) often ages better than high-power chips.

Software Support and User Experience

This is where the Pixel 5 shines—even in retirement. Google guaranteed three years of OS updates and five years of security patches for the Pixel 5, a policy unmatched at its price point in 2020. As of 2023, it received its final major Android upgrade to Android 13, and its last security patch arrived in late 2024. While no longer receiving updates, the clean, bloat-free experience of stock Android continues to deliver smooth navigation and reliable functionality.

The Galaxy S21, despite being a flagship, followed Samsung’s then-standard three-year OS update promise. It reached Android 13 and will receive security updates until 2025. However, One UI—Samsung’s Android skin—adds layers of features and background processes that can slow older hardware. Users report increased app reloads and occasional stutters in 2024, especially when switching between apps.

“Software optimization matters more than specs after year three. A clean OS on modest hardware often feels faster than a bloated one on powerful silicon.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechLongevity Labs

Camera Performance in 2024: Who Takes Better Photos Now?

In 2020–2021, the Pixel 5’s camera was widely praised for its computational photography. Its 12.2MP main sensor wasn’t the largest, but Google’s HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms produced stunning results, particularly in low light. The ultrawide lens was a welcome addition, though not class-leading.

The Galaxy S21 featured a higher-resolution 64MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide, backed by AI enhancements. In daylight, it could capture more detail. But over time, Samsung’s aggressive sharpening and color saturation have aged poorly—images often look oversharpened or unnatural compared to the Pixel’s balanced output.

Today, both cameras struggle with slower processing times due to aging hardware, but the Pixel maintains an edge in consistency. Its photo processing pipeline remains optimized for its hardware, while the S21 sometimes lags when applying AI filters or HDR.

Feature	Pixel 5 (2024)	Galaxy S21 (2024)
Daylight Photos	Natural colors, minimal noise	Detailed but overprocessed
Night Mode Speed	Fast, reliable	Slower, occasional artifacts
Ultrawide Quality	Good, slight distortion	Better resolution, softer edges
Video Recording	Stable 4K@30fps, good stabilization	8K capable, but drains battery fast

Real-World Example: A Three-Year Daily Driver Test

Jamal, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used the Pixel 5 as his primary phone from October 2020 through early 2024. He chose it over the S21 for its camera reliability and lighter weight. “I didn’t need 8K video,” he said. “I needed a phone that wouldn’t crash during back-to-back shoots.”

By late 2023, Jamal noticed the battery lasting only about 1.5 days with moderate use. He replaced it at a third-party shop for $45, and it regained nearly 90% of its original capacity. The phone continued to perform smoothly through Android 13 updates. “It never felt sluggish, even when editing photos on the go.”

His colleague, who used the S21, reported similar battery issues but hesitated to replace it due to the glued-in battery and fear of damaging the display. By early 2024, her phone frequently overheated during outdoor shoots, forcing her to switch to a newer model months before Jamal.

Battery and Repairability: Hidden Factors in Longevity

The Pixel 5’s aluminum unibody design includes a removable back panel—a rarity in modern smartphones. This made battery replacements significantly easier and cheaper. Third-party repair shops widely supported it, and replacement batteries remained available into 2024.

The Galaxy S21, built with a sealed glass body and strong adhesive, requires heat and precision tools to open. Battery replacement is possible but riskier and more expensive. Additionally, the S21’s higher-performance components draw more power, accelerating wear on the battery over time.

Tip: Consider repairability when evaluating long-term value. A phone with easy battery access can gain another 1–2 years of life with a $40 fix.

Step-by-Step: Extending Life on an Aging Smartphone (2024 Guide)

1. Replace the battery if capacity is below 80%. Even a well-cared-for battery degrades after 1,000 cycles.
2. Wipe and reinstall the OS to clear cached data and bloat that accumulate over years.
3. Disable unused apps and animations to improve responsiveness.
4. Use lightweight alternatives (e.g., Firefox Lite instead of Chrome) to reduce memory load.
5. Enable adaptive brightness and dark mode to conserve power and reduce OLED burn-in risk.

Is the Pixel 5 Still Worth It in 2024?

If you're considering buying a used Pixel 5 today, the answer depends on your expectations. It’s not a phone for power users or gamers. App launches may take a second longer than on modern devices, and 5G support is limited to mmWave in select U.S. carriers (though sub-6 exists). But for basic tasks—calls, messaging, email, social media, and photography—it remains surprisingly capable.

What makes the Pixel 5 compelling is its software legacy. Stock Android with Google’s AI-powered features (Live Caption, Recorder, etc.) still works reliably. The lack of bloat means fewer background processes eating resources. And because Google designed it with long-term maintenance in mind, it avoids the \"flagship decay\" seen in some competitors.

The Galaxy S21, while more powerful initially, shows its age more clearly. The combination of a power-hungry chipset, heavier software, and less efficient battery management means it feels slower in daily use. It’s still usable, but not as effortlessly as the Pixel 5 at this stage.

FAQ

Can the Pixel 5 run Android 14?

No. Google confirmed the Pixel 5 would not receive Android 14. Its final OS version is Android 13, with security patches ending in late 2024.

Which phone has better resale value now?

Neither holds strong resale value, but the Pixel 5 tends to sell for slightly more in refurbished markets due to its reputation for reliability and clean software.

Is either phone safe to use in 2024 without security updates?

With updates ended, both carry increased risk. Avoid storing sensitive data or using outdated apps. Use strong passwords, avoid public Wi-Fi, and consider these devices best for secondary or offline roles now.

Final Verdict: The Case for Thoughtful Design Over Raw Power

The Pixel 5 wasn’t the most powerful phone in 2020, but its focus on balance—efficient hardware, clean software, excellent camera, and thoughtful longevity policies—has paid off. Three years later, it feels more cohesive and dependable than the Galaxy S21, which prioritized specs over sustainability.

For users seeking a simple, reliable smartphone experience without chasing the latest features, a well-maintained Pixel 5 can still serve admirably. It proves that in the smartphone world, longevity isn’t just about how long a device lasts—it’s about how well it serves you throughout its life.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Share your experience—what keeps yours running, and what finally made you upgrade? Join the conversation below.